#romance

Book Review: The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep Book Cover

The Noble Guardian
by Michelle Griep
Book 3 in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy
Rating: 4.5/5

Abigail Gilbert is finally free! She is leaving her family who hates her and is going to meet her beloved fiancé and live happily ever after with someone who actually wants to be with her. However, highwaymen run rampant on her journey and threaten her life.

Captain Samuel Thatcher is in charge of keeping the roads safe from highwaymen and steps in to save Abby’s life. The captain is close to retiring but begrudgingly agrees to escort Ms. Gilbert to her destination in exchange for money from her fiancé for her safety.

Unfortunately, this harrying journey is more than either expected. Together they must find a way to coexist and not kill each other as they face many trials and heated discussions.

This fast-paced story is everything you’d want and more. I didn’t quite know what to expect when I started reading this story but I knew it would be good because of Michelle Griep’s ability to weave a fun and provocative tale. When I first started to read, I wasn’t aware it was part of a trilogy. It can definitely be read as a standalone book. After realizing it was part of a trilogy, I found that I had read the previous books but didn’t realize it because that first book was from back in 2015. I will have to revisit those other two books in the series to jog my memory but that isn’t necessary to appreciate the wonders of Griep’s gripping action. The characters are lovely and you feel their tension and conflict. Very well written and highly recommended.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

EDIT: Buy this book here!

May 29, 2019 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Fire & Ice by Mary Connealy

Fire & Ice
by Mary Connealy
Rating: 4/5
Book 3 of the Wild at Heart Series
Bethany House – Fiction | Christian | Historical Romance

Bailey Wilde is the last of the Wilde sisters to stick around in the West. She is also one of the best (and smartest) ranchers in the area. Ever since she served in the Civil War, she’s disguised herself as a young man and worked hard to be the son her father wanted and loved. Her only real competition is Gage Coulter, who is trying to gain back access to his canyon of 5,000 acres of grass for his cattle. Ever since he found out that Mr. Bailey Wilde had set up a homestead at the entrance to his canyon, he’s been trying to find a way to buy the land or barter a deal to trespass through her land to give his cattle access. He’s determined and will get his way, despite any warning gunshots that Wilde shoots his way.

When Gage finally figures out the truth about Miss Bailey Wilde, he continues to try to barter a deal with her, but she refuses. When Gage shows her his plans to force another opening to the canyon, Bailey gives up. She will have to find another place for her herd to graze. She is disappointed but still determined to make this work.

After a long and lonely winter, Bailey is overjoyed to see Gage, despite the circumstances. She is shocked when he proposes marriage, in order to fool his mother, who is coming to visit him. In her loneliness, she decides to marry Gage in exchange for the rights to the canyon and her homestead. Can Bailey and Gage find a way to make this marriage work? Can they learn to trust and respect each other’s skills? Can they learn to let go of their pasts and see the promising future that’s before them?

Ending this novel was bittersweet. I didn’t want the series to end. I’ve enjoyed all three books in the Wild at Heart series and I can’t wait to see what else Mary Connealy comes up with next. She is incredibly talented at creating characters that are flawed and lovable and frustrating and endearing! I love all of the humor and faith she infuses into her stories. She pulls me right into the historical setting and I’m not content until I find out what exactly happens to the main characters.

Although you could read this book by itself, I would recommend reading the other two books first just to be more familiar with some of the other characters. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great historical romance with comedy!

I received this book for free from the publisher and NetGalley but was not required to give a positive review.

September 29, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: Anna’s Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Anna’s Crossing
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Rating: 4/5
An Amish Beginnings Novel #1
Revell – Fiction | Historical Romance

As an Amish community sets off for the New World in 1737 to find a place free from religious persecution, Anna König has to go along because she is the only one who knows English. She has heard all of the horror stories surrounding voyages across the Atlantic, along with the challenges in the New World. She is set on returning home if she survives.

The Charming Nancy‘s ship’s carpenter, Bairn, is weary to be taking on more passengers made up of “Peculiars”. He would much rather have more cargo than passengers overloading his ship. Although he’s built bunks in the lower deck for their guests, he is convinced that something bad will happen on the voyage.

When Bairn and Anna meet, he can’t stop thinking about her. She is different and mesmerizing. She is all wrong for him and his lifestyle, but he can’t stop finding ways to interact with her. Even after he is warned to stop associating with her, he can’t seem to help himself especially when Anna starts seeking him out. Will Bairn be able to help Anna when she needs it most? Can Anna help Bairn find his faith? Will the ship make it safely to the New World? What surprises await Bairn and Anna as they fall in love?

I’ve only read one other book by the author, but I really enjoyed reading about Anna and her journey. I was not familiar with the struggles that the Amish went through when they immigrated to the New World, but I was impressed with all the author researched in order to write such great historical fiction. There’s a special place in my heart for Amish fiction and I really liked the intricate story. Her characters are so endearing and I absolutely adored the different relationships in the story.

I recommend this book for any fans of Amish romance and historical fiction.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.